There’s no hiding the ultra-positive attitude of nitro Funny Car driver Jim Campbell.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that it has been impossible to wipe the smile off Campbell’s face this week.

On Friday, May 5, 2017, Edelbrock will once again be opening the doors of their corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility to the public for free shop tours. Participants will get the opportunity to take a guided tour of Edelbrock's Research & Development, Manufacturing and Quality Control departments. This is a unique opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to see what it takes to design and manufacture high-quality performance products. Shop tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and will end at 1:00 p.m. Limited spots are available and are going fast. Interested parties can register online at www.edelbrockcarshow.com.

On Saturday, May 6, 2017, over 400 cars will fill the streets around Vic's Garage for the 12th Annual Edelbrock Car Show. Automotive enthusiasts are invited to come out and enjoy a day of hot rods, great food and live entertainment. The show will also host the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, where teams of high school students from all over Southern California race to tear down and rebuild an engine in a timed and judged competition. Additionally, the popular Kids Corner will return with tons of activities for children of all ages. Many aftermarket manufacturers will be in attendance to exhibit their products. Show hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spectator entry is free.

The hot topic of conversation this past offseason in NHRA’s nitro Funny Car ranks was about what was going to be done about laid-back headers.

Well, Competition Plus has learned the sanctioning body has decided on the matter. The following letter was addressed to nitro Funny Car teams from Tim White, NHRA’s Director of Engineering:

The 10th edition of the Race & Performance Expo recently rolled into the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in suburban Chicago.

Since moving to this larger venue in 2016, the Expo continues to grow as evidenced by every inch of display space being spoken for, and a busy show floor both days. Greg Parker from R&P Expo was extremely pleased. “The enthusiasm by our exhibitors and the show goers is gratifying and is a sign of health in our industry.”

John Force Racing crew chief Mike Neff and his son Chase will compete in the Mint 400 off-road race in the Nevada desert.

The Neffs will race in the Trophy Truck Spec class (7200) in a truck sponsored by Carquest Auto Parts.

"This is something I've always wanted to do," Mike Neff said. "Now, with my son being 18 years old, it's the perfect time to get back out there and race. I'll get to hook back up with friends I used to do this with years ago, and to be able to do with my son is exciting."

Ron Colson learned some things during his time as a drag racer. 

One of the most important was the value of a name. 

Colson, a six-decade associate of Cordova Raceway Park in Cordova, Ill., and Bob Bartel, who built the track in 1956,  contend they own the World Series of Drag Racing name with a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office document dated Oct. 11, 2016, to prove it. The trademark is filed under Colson's company, Colson Communications. 

The loyal fans of NHRA Pro Stock drag racing in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will be able to vote their favorite category driver into the NHRA K&N Horsepower Challenge, a special bonus event for the factory hot rod class.
 
The K&N Horsepower Challenge will be held Saturday, April 1, during the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The lucrative event is open to eight drivers, seven of which will be determined by points earned at NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events. The eighth spot will be decided by the fan vote.

Sunday, following KB Racing's second consecutive 2017 Pro Stock victory, Greg Anderson proclaimed the official factory hot rod division was not dead.

Just because the class isn't dead doesn't mean there isn't at least one aspect he'd like to see change.

Anderson prefers a class which isn't overrun with one body style and make.

Shelby Development, LLC and its affiliated company Monopoly Acquisitions, LLC., CEO Chris Payne, and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), announced that the companies have entered an agreement for Shelby to acquire National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio.
 
The acquisition of the historic National Trail Raceway adds to the existing stable of motorsports assets owned by Shelby Development, LLC., which also includes Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kansas. That property was purchased in December 2015.

Mike Janis made sure his presence was known.

Janis captured the victory at the inaugural RPM Pro Winter Warm-up, defeating Danny Rowe in the final round of the event run in conjunction with the NHRA Division 2 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional opener in Orlando, Fla.